1
2
as in to disturb
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
there's no need to agitate the patient about little things
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to shake
to make a series of small irregular or violent movements
set the washing machine so it will agitate for four minutes before going into the rinse cycle
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to discuss
to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion
a question which has been agitated by the legislature time and time again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of agitate
In her autobiography, Gibson wrote about biding her time rather than choosing to agitate.
—
Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
But some hard-line conservatives, nervous about the prospect of being jammed with a massive, end-of-year omnibus and hoping to avoid negotiating with Democrats on spending increases, have been agitating for another full-year continuing resolution (CR).
—Aris Folley, The Hill, 3 Sep. 2025
The play was indicative of what Burton does best – agitate, disrupt and make opposing stars uncomfortable.
—Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2025
And Leo’s embrace of Francis’ progressive views, including his embrace of immigrants, will surely agitate the conservative American Catholics who rebelled against Francis.
—Mike Burbach, Twin Cities, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
But some hard-line conservatives, nervous about the prospect of being jammed with a massive, end-of-year omnibus and hoping to avoid negotiating with Democrats on spending increases, have been agitating for another full-year continuing resolution (CR).
—Aris Folley, The Hill, 3 Sep. 2025
The play was indicative of what Burton does best – agitate, disrupt and make opposing stars uncomfortable.
—Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 19 Aug. 2025
And Leo’s embrace of Francis’ progressive views, including his embrace of immigrants, will surely agitate the conservative American Catholics who rebelled against Francis.
—Mike Burbach, Twin Cities, 15 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate
Verb
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Let apples stand at room temperature fat least 1 hour or up to 24 hours to macerate and release their juices, stirring occasionally.—
Staff Author,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Sep. 2025
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Add bell peppers, poblano peppers, onion, and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt to skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and starting to char, 10 to 12 minutes.—
Marianne Williams,
Southern Living,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Leaf blowers of any kind may disturb wildlife habitat and contribute to soil erosion by removing organic matter and exposing the top layer of soil.—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Sep. 2025
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Part of the controversy appears to have related to the fact that the carpet covered tile that, if disturbed, could expose children to asbestos.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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After 30 minutes or so, pause the machine, remove the comforter, and shake it out before adding it back to the drum, continuing the process until the bedding is fully dry.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
28 Sep. 2025
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The earthquake shook at a depth of just 3 miles, with its epicenter approximately 10 miles south of Trona.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Back in Europe, regional leaders will converge in Copenhagen on Wednesday to discuss measures to bolster the continent’s security, following a recent spate of airspace incursions in countries including Denmark, Poland, Romania and Estonia.—
Tasmin Lockwood,Chloe Taylor,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
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Women who are at higher risk with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors should discuss timing of screening with their health care provider.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Reviewing pages have been thinned by the forces of history and technology; few Pynchon skeptics anymore bother to take the time to read the novels and register their objections.—
Book Marks
October 2,
Literary Hub,
2 Oct. 2025
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But Bob Say, owner of Los Angeles’ Freakbeat Records, for one, isn’t all that bothered.—
Roy Trakin,
Rolling Stone,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Designer Joe Nahem of the esteemed firm Fox-Nahem was then brought in to merge the two spaces into one wildly creative space that vibrates with color, pattern, and texture.—
Mark David,
Robb Report,
1 Oct. 2025
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Each of the three biographies—any good biography—vibrates with the intensity of its author’s possession by their subject and the thrill of exhumation, if only metaphoric.—
Megan Marshall
September 25,
Literary Hub,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Kirk was a prolific podcaster, known for debating and defending his conservative, Christian values on the show.—
Stephanie Murray,
AZCentral.com,
27 Sep. 2025
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Even if a dissenting perspective isn’t correct or better, dissent brings different views to the fore so that they can be debated, and that improves and sharpens arguments, options and outcomes.—
Elizabeth Shackelford,
Twin Cities,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Rather than distracting from the acting, the animation also only enhances the heightened emotions of adolescence.—
James Factora,
Them.,
26 Sep. 2025
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Prosecutors told the jury not to be distracted by these arguments, that the broader picture clearly showed who was at the center of these killings.—
Miguel Torres,
AZCentral.com,
25 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 3 Oct. 2025.
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